Raptor to make 1st transatlantic flight
Air Combat Command's F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team is scheduled to make the first trans-Atlantic flight for the F-22 to participate in the 2008 Royal International Air Tattoo.
Three F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing are scheduled to depart Langley July 8 and will arrive in the United Kingdom that evening. They will be piloted by Maj. Paul Moga, F-22 Demonstration Team commander, Flt. Lt. Dan Robinson, Royal Air Force exchange pilot, and Capt. Leo Lemelson, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot.
Major Moga will perform formal displays at RAF Fairford on July 12 and 13 and at the Farnborough International air show July 14. The display routine showcases precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate some of the unique capabilities of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
The F-22 Raptor reached Full Operational Capability here in December 2007, officially declaring the entire program ready for a myriad of operations, including homeland defense and overseas deployments.
For more information on the Air Combat Command demonstration teams visit www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents
Vulcan Granted Permit to Fly
We are delighted to announce that Avro Vulcan B.Mk2 XH558 has been granted her Permit to Fly on the UK Civil Register by the Civil Aviation Authority. The Vulcan will make it's first display flight at the RAF Waddington International Airshow and then continue to The Royal International Air Tattoo where it will perform in the flying display and appear in the static park on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of July
Vulcan XH558 last flew 16 years ago after a 33-year career in the RAF, including service during the Falklands War. Along with the Valiant and the Victor, the three aircraft comprised the Royal Air Force's legendary V-bomber force, designed to protect the UK from nuclear threat from the 1950s to the 1980s. The aircraft last displayed at an airshow in 1992. The ambitious restoration of XH558 was supported by a £2.5 million grant from the Lottery Fund, a £500,000 donation from philanthropist Jack Hayward, commercial sponsors plus contributions from more than 20,000 members of the public.
The campaign also received significant fundraising support from the Air Tattoo throughout the restoration project. Indeed, the Air Tattoo's President, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, was until recently also chairman of the Vulcan to the Sky campaign.
We at The Royal International Air Tattoo welcome the Vulcan to the airshow with open arms and look forward to what will be an emotional flying display from a truly iconic and historic aircraft.
Air Tattoo Cancellation
Heavy rainfall during the 72 hours prior to the start of the Royal International Air Tattoo weekend led to the cancellation of the airshow.
The decision to cancel was taken following lengthy discussions between the organisers, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for our visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them.
Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks, it became clear that significant areas of the fields and of the showground were unusable.
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said: "We have been working around the clock to improve the conditions on the airfield and in the car parks but unfortunately we have run out of time.
"Many people will be desperately disappointed but I would like to assure them that we have tried everything possible within the time available.
"Having worked towards this airshow for the past 12 months, my team at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and our band of 3,000 enthusiastic and loyal volunteers share the huge sense of frustration."
The senior Police commander for the Air Tattoo, Supt Tony Godwin, said; "It is with deep regret that the decision has been made to cancel the Royal International Air Tattoo on both days. This decision was not made lightly. It was made in the interest of those visiting or working at the event."
| RIAT Showground Saturday |
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| Jubilee Garden Saturday |
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| Jubilee Garden entrance Saturday |
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| Park and View East 11 July |
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| FRIAT enclosure Wednesday 9 July |
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| RIAT showground Friday 11 July |
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